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Best GMAT Prep Books
Usually these books are a great starting point - they get you familiarized with the test format, sections, timing, and main strategies. Sometimes books are not the best tool and there are low-cost GMAT Courses out there, but this discussion is about books.
The first column lists book categories and the purpose behind them and the other columns list approaches to the GMAT from average to most comprehensive. These are designed to copliment the GMAT Study plan thread.
1. GMAT Official Guide - 2021 Ed
Published by the creators of the GMAT. Must have to access to 1,100+ real GMAT questions but lacks any strategies.
Strengths:
1. 1,100 real GMAT questions
2. The practice questions follow actual GMAT test patterns - great to have one's ear trained
3. Online system but sometimes hit and miss
Weaknesses:
1. The book does not contain any strategies
2. It does have a few short review sections but they are very weak
3. Mostly low and medium difficulty questions. Not very helpful to a person aiming to get above 700.
Other Notes: OG 2021 Directory with difficulty and topics
2. Manhattan GMAT (MGMAT) Guides
The go-to book set for GMAT Prep and probably one of the best options out there
Strengths:
1. Good balance between test-taking strategies and background theory explanations
2. Thorough
3. Access to 6 MGMAT CAT's
4. Additional online practice question banks (different for each book)
Weaknesses:
1. The latest edition has moved some of the content online which has made it less comprehensive. See the comparison of the last 2 editions here.
3. Veritas Prep 12 GMAT Guides Bundle
Strong challenger to the Manhattan GMAT set
Strengths:
1. Very in-depth overview of every GMAT subject in 12 dedicated guides (each is 100-200 pages long)
2. Comes with a test simulation booklet and a basic math book for those who need extra help (MGMAT charges extra for these)
3. Comes with 7 CATs
4. Has more practice questions than the Manhattan set
Weaknesses:
1. Could have used less paper - some books have only one question per page
2. Expensive! $250 for new on Amazon but you can find a good used deal.
4. Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus 2021
Recommended. Well-rounded guide for GMAT preparation. Questions are usually harder than GMAT and sometimes a bit off; however, the book comes with 6 GMAT Tests
Strengths:
1. Good review of fundamentals and valuable strategies - good first GMAT Book
2. 6 GMAT Tests included for the price of $38 with free shipping from Amazon
Weaknesses:
1. Several questions overlap with Kaplan 800 book
2. Some areas such as combinations or probability are not covered in sufficient detail
Other Notes: Updates have been lacking from edition to edition
5. Kaplan GMAT 800
This book is a great idea - create a resource for those who already mastered the lower levels of GMAT, do not require any information about the test or basic strategies but need to focus on higher difficulty questions, but it has its weaknesses, one of them, not living up to its name. Though a great marketing name, many feel it should realistically set expectations as a 650-700 bookStrengths:
1. Good for additional practice questions as a supplement
2. Contains more advanced strategies
3. Saves time for advanced test-takers
Weaknesses:
1. Review of mathematical content is not thorough enough and actually fairly basic
2. Guessing as well as Plug-in-the-number strategies are overused
3. Some questions are not very realistic (do not follow the GMAT patterns)
4. Few 750-level questions
6. Test Simulation Booklet with Marker ("Scratch Paper")
The laminated booklet and marker are exactly as the ones you will get at the test center. Great product to get familiar with the special laminated scratch paper.
This is only for the physical test-center GMAT. For the GMAT Online, see this post for the whiteboard options
Princeton Review 1,138 GMAT Questions
Not a guidebook and contains only practice questions.
Strengths:
1. Review of factorials, probability, combinations, groups, Yes/No DS, assumption, and parallel structure questions
2. Good split between PS and DS in math
Weaknesses:
1. Some errors in explanations have been reported
2. Weaker RC section
3. Verbal questions are a bit off but all non OG Verbal questions are off.
Feel free to suggest other books you have liked or critique my recommendations :wink:
_________________
Usually these books are a great starting point - they get you familiarized with the test format, sections, timing, and main strategies. Sometimes books are not the best tool and there are low-cost GMAT Courses out there, but this discussion is about books.
My recommendation - Get at least 2 books:
For dedicated/specialized Math or Verbal GMAT guidebook, see:
- The Official Guide for GMAT Review 2021 (OG for short), you can get the online or print version - you will need it in every case since OG contains a collection of about 1,100 Real Test Questions. There is also a separate Verbal OG and Quant OG books with additional 300 Verbal and Quant questions (no overlap).
- Another Book or Bundle - this choice will depend on your needs and time you have. See a below Table for my ideas & suggestions.
For dedicated/specialized Math or Verbal GMAT guidebook, see:
The first column lists book categories and the purpose behind them and the other columns list approaches to the GMAT from average to most comprehensive. These are designed to copliment the GMAT Study plan thread.
 |
Published by the creators of the GMAT. Must have to access to 1,100+ real GMAT questions but lacks any strategies.
Strengths:
1. 1,100 real GMAT questions
2. The practice questions follow actual GMAT test patterns - great to have one's ear trained
3. Online system but sometimes hit and miss
Weaknesses:
1. The book does not contain any strategies
2. It does have a few short review sections but they are very weak
3. Mostly low and medium difficulty questions. Not very helpful to a person aiming to get above 700.
Other Notes: OG 2021 Directory with difficulty and topics
 |
The go-to book set for GMAT Prep and probably one of the best options out there
Strengths:
1. Good balance between test-taking strategies and background theory explanations
2. Thorough
3. Access to 6 MGMAT CAT's
4. Additional online practice question banks (different for each book)
Weaknesses:
1. The latest edition has moved some of the content online which has made it less comprehensive. See the comparison of the last 2 editions here.
 |
Strong challenger to the Manhattan GMAT set
Strengths:
1. Very in-depth overview of every GMAT subject in 12 dedicated guides (each is 100-200 pages long)
2. Comes with a test simulation booklet and a basic math book for those who need extra help (MGMAT charges extra for these)
3. Comes with 7 CATs
4. Has more practice questions than the Manhattan set
Weaknesses:
1. Could have used less paper - some books have only one question per page
2. Expensive! $250 for new on Amazon but you can find a good used deal.
 |
Recommended. Well-rounded guide for GMAT preparation. Questions are usually harder than GMAT and sometimes a bit off; however, the book comes with 6 GMAT Tests
Strengths:
1. Good review of fundamentals and valuable strategies - good first GMAT Book
2. 6 GMAT Tests included for the price of $38 with free shipping from Amazon
Weaknesses:
1. Several questions overlap with Kaplan 800 book
2. Some areas such as combinations or probability are not covered in sufficient detail
Other Notes: Updates have been lacking from edition to edition
 |
This book is a great idea - create a resource for those who already mastered the lower levels of GMAT, do not require any information about the test or basic strategies but need to focus on higher difficulty questions, but it has its weaknesses, one of them, not living up to its name. Though a great marketing name, many feel it should realistically set expectations as a 650-700 bookStrengths:
1. Good for additional practice questions as a supplement
2. Contains more advanced strategies
3. Saves time for advanced test-takers
Weaknesses:
1. Review of mathematical content is not thorough enough and actually fairly basic
2. Guessing as well as Plug-in-the-number strategies are overused
3. Some questions are not very realistic (do not follow the GMAT patterns)
4. Few 750-level questions
 |
The laminated booklet and marker are exactly as the ones you will get at the test center. Great product to get familiar with the special laminated scratch paper.
This is only for the physical test-center GMAT. For the GMAT Online, see this post for the whiteboard options
Other Books You May Find Helpful:
 |
Not a guidebook and contains only practice questions.
Strengths:
1. Review of factorials, probability, combinations, groups, Yes/No DS, assumption, and parallel structure questions
2. Good split between PS and DS in math
Weaknesses:
1. Some errors in explanations have been reported
2. Weaker RC section
3. Verbal questions are a bit off but all non OG Verbal questions are off.
Feel free to suggest other books you have liked or critique my recommendations :wink:
Show SpoilerOld Table
| Book Bundles and Study Plans at a Glance | ||||
| Standard Plan 1-2 months | Advanced 2-4 months | Comprehensive 3-5 months | Add-ons Infinity and Beyond | |
| General Books & Bundles Explain how GMAT works, provide question strategies, and offer practice tests  | Kaplan Prep Plus + comes with 6 CATs + takes 4-6 weeks to cover + good for 650 score | MGMAT 10-Book Bundle + comes with 6 CAT's + Comes with GMAT Roadmap - I love this book of hacks & tips OR Veritas Prep Bundle - No Tests | MGMAT 10-Book Bundle + comes with 6 CAT's + Comes with GMAT Roadmap - I love this book of hacks & tips OR Veritas Prep Bundle + comes with 7 CAT's - expensive GMAT Test Simulation Booklet + Great for practice | MGMAT Roadmap + Make sure you read it |
| Quant Books Refresh math principles, fill gaps, and learn patterns | Kaplan Math Workbook + Compact and enough for Q48 - missing probability and combinations | Included in Bundle | Included in Bundle MGMAT Math Foundations + Really good if you are rusty or were never good at math | GMAT Club Math Book + Written by some of the most brilliant minds on GMAT Club MGMAT Advanced Quant - Some say is too hard |
| Verbal Books Refresh grammar rules, refine CR and RC strategies | Kaplan Verbal Workbook + Packed with good strategies | Included in Bundle | Included in Bundle MGMAT Verbal Foundations + Great for internationals GMAT Club's Grammar Book + GMAT-only grammar | CR: PowerScore CR CR: LSAT LR CR: LSAT Questions SC: Powerscore SC GMAT Fiction + Improve your Verbal skills while reading great books |
| Practice Questions Additional practice | Official Guide 2019 + 900 real retired GMAT questions | OG 2019 Bundle + 1,500 retired quant GMAT questions | OG 2019 Bundle + 1,500 real retired GMAT questions | Kaplan GMAT 800 Princeton Review 1,138 + Great target practice Old Official Guides - may have overlap with GMAT Prep Tests Forum Question Banks |
| CATs Computer Adaptive Tests | Kaplan - 6 GMAT Prep - 2 Free Free CATs - 5 | MGMAT - 6 GMAT Prep Tests 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 + 20% off for Premium Members Free CATs - 5 | MGMAT - 6 GMAT Prep - 2 Free GMAT Prep Bundle + 30% off for Premium Members Veritas Prep CATs - 7 + Free for Premium Members | GMAT Club Tests Tough Quant Tests for those looking for Q50+ |
_________________
General
All the Official Guides we do have in our directory https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmac-officia ... 40610.html
Quant
- GMATClub Math book
- MGAMT Advanced quant
Verbal
- Aristotle SC
- Aristotle CR
- RC the resources we do have on the forum. Such as these
https://gmatclub.com/forum/experts-topi ... 41004.html
https://gmatclub.com/forum/rc-verbal-qu ... 95438.html
- Improve reading: GMAT_Monthly_Reading
https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-improve ... l#p1671400
Recommended tutors
- Gmat Ninja (Charles Bibilos) or GMAT Quantum.
That's it.
Regards
_________________
All the Official Guides we do have in our directory https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmac-officia ... 40610.html
Quant
- GMATClub Math book
- MGAMT Advanced quant
Verbal
- Aristotle SC
- Aristotle CR
- RC the resources we do have on the forum. Such as these
https://gmatclub.com/forum/experts-topi ... 41004.html
https://gmatclub.com/forum/rc-verbal-qu ... 95438.html
- Improve reading: GMAT_Monthly_Reading
https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-improve ... l#p1671400
Recommended tutors
- Gmat Ninja (Charles Bibilos) or GMAT Quantum.
That's it.
Regards
_________________
Free Materials for the GRE General Exam - Where to get it!!
GMAT FE - COLLECTION OF QUESTIONS AND RESOURCES
QUANT: 1. ALL GMATPrep questions Quant/Verbal-2. Bunuel Signature Collection - The Next Generation-3. Bunuel Signature Collection ALL-IN-ONE WITH SOLUTIONS
4. MGMAT Study Hall Thursdays with Ron Quant Videos
VERBAL:1. Verbal question bank and directories by Carcass-2. Critical Reasoning_Oldy but goldy question banks-3. Reading-comprehension_Oldy but goldy question banks
GMAT FE - COLLECTION OF QUESTIONS AND RESOURCES
QUANT: 1. ALL GMATPrep questions Quant/Verbal-2. Bunuel Signature Collection - The Next Generation-3. Bunuel Signature Collection ALL-IN-ONE WITH SOLUTIONS
4. MGMAT Study Hall Thursdays with Ron Quant Videos
VERBAL:1. Verbal question bank and directories by Carcass-2. Critical Reasoning_Oldy but goldy question banks-3. Reading-comprehension_Oldy but goldy question banks
Topic updated with the 2021 book titles and even a link to a whiteboard 
_________________
_________________
hi all, does anyone have free/used GMAT and/or TOEFL books/CDs 
? Thanks in advance!!
? Thanks in advance!! 
Hi! I'm looking at verbal resources from MBA.com could someone guide me:
What are the differences among:
GMAT Official Guide 22
GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review
GMAT Official Practice Questions 1 & 2
These are 4 resources. I'm in the mid 30s of Verbal and wanna improve. Which one(s) will be best?
What are the differences among:
GMAT Official Guide 22
GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review
GMAT Official Practice Questions 1 & 2
These are 4 resources. I'm in the mid 30s of Verbal and wanna improve. Which one(s) will be best?
HI im currently preparing for CAT(Indian management test) post that I have planned to take gmat. i almost have 5 weeks for it and wanted study material. Since the CAT already has formed the basics of most topics. I want only those resources who can give me advance practice. With regrades to different questions types of CR and DS I am also familiar with them as I have given NMAT by GMAC whose format is very similar to gmat but difficulty is on the lower side.
I was planning to buy the Kaplan prep plus 2022 book. Does it have good quality qs?
I was planning to buy the Kaplan prep plus 2022 book. Does it have good quality qs?
raju1212
Sure, it would have fine questions though the biggest value that it will have will be the strategies and also the Tests that come with it.
If you are looking just for a question book to practice from, get the Official Guide first.
Good Luck!
BB
_________________
Hello
I really want to take the GMAT again since my score of 640 is an abysmal one for unis that I would want to target
Came across the official GMAC Verbal and Quant books
Can someone let me know if those are good enough to start with and whether their questions are good enough to increase my score? Also planning to take the GMAT Whiz course to cover any gaps
Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated!
Thank you
Sas
I really want to take the GMAT again since my score of 640 is an abysmal one for unis that I would want to target
Came across the official GMAC Verbal and Quant books
Can someone let me know if those are good enough to start with and whether their questions are good enough to increase my score? Also planning to take the GMAT Whiz course to cover any gaps
Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated!
Thank you
Sas
Posts: 5,200
Quote:
Probably fair to say the Official Guides are solid choices to include into one's prep at some point. In terms of learning fundamentals early on, however - if you are, for example, very rusty with combinations or English grammar - it may be worth checking out 3rd party sources.
ScottTargetTestPrep
Expert
Target Test Prep Representative
Joined: 14 Oct 2015
Last visit: 14 Sep 2026
Posts: 22,738
Status:Founder & CEO
Affiliations: Target Test Prep
Location: United States (CA)
Expert reply
Posts: 22,738
suryasas
Those guides are certainly helpful, but you may need some more robust materials. Have you checked out course reviews here on GMAT Club?
_________________
Scott Woodbury-Stewart | Founder and
CEO |
[email protected]
See why Target Test Prep is the top rated GMAT course on GMAT Club. Read Our Reviews
ScottTargetTestPrep
Hello Scott
Yes, I have.
As mentioned GMAT Whiz primarily due to a time constraint I had
Thought I could supplement that with the offical verbal/quant books.
However, I can understand needing more robust or tougher material to prepare, appreciate the insight.
Went through the forum's list of books and already have the Kaplan guide. It's underwhelming however and has questions that don't seem to be on par with the official 700+ questions on the official GMAT exam.
Do you have any suggestions?
I can see that you're part of TTP, if your course can bridge the gap from 640 to mid 700's then I'd be happy to switch over. Inclined toward Whiz because of their reviews on score rises.
Thank you for your time
Best,
Sas
Posts: 5,200
Consider checking out/also including Manhattan-Prep's 6th Edition for SC and CR into your prep. May take you less than 2 weeks to go through them both. There's a free in-house gmatclub math guide you can download for free as a pdf as well. Some Quant and Verbal video tips on the gmatknight website you may find interesting too.
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